The realme 6i is coming to Singapore and there’s plenty to be excited about.

Mediatek’s Helio G80 powers the device, providing a 35% performance boost from realme 5’s Snapdragon 665. It comes with either 3GB or 4GB of RAM for a fluid experience. Storage still comes at an option of 64GB or 128GB, which is expandable with a MicroSD card. The device comes with realme UI based on Android 10, so users can expect goodies such as system-wide Dark Mode here.

The camera has some massive improvements in tow this year. It still has a quad-camera setup from its predecessor. What’s new is the setup: it now has a 48MP wide-angle + 8MP ultra-wide-angle + 8MP macro + 2MP depth sensor on the back. This should allow for better images with more details and higher resolutions.

The front camera’s got some boost too. realme 6i now has a 16MP up front, which is a 3MP bump from last year.

The display of this device remains at 1600 x 720 resolution. The company could have switched to an OLED panel this year, but they have to cut some corners in order for this device to remain competitive at its target segment. Still, the display should be enough for most users.

These features are all packed in a smartphone with an improved finish and design. The design of Realme 6i is helmed by Naoto Fukusawa, who is also behind the realme X Series Master Edition.

Price and availability

The realme 6i will be available in two colors; Green Tea and Milk White (4+128GB) and will be priced at SG$ 269. The phone will be on sale from June 5, 2020 at all official authorized retailers island wide as well as realme’s Lazada and Shopee flagship stores.

Launch promotion includes free realme 10,000mAH Powerbank worth SG$ 69 with every realme 6i purchased on realme’s flagship stores on Lazada and Shopee between June 5-12.

SEE ALSO: realme 6i review: You gain some, you lose some

Celebrity endorsements are part and parcel of the smartphone lifecycle. Most companies have constantly leveraged local talent to promote their products. However, a lucky few have found more internationally known celebrities to brandish new devices. Amidst this ubiquitous strategy, Samsung and LG have a distinct advantage: a gallery of Korean idol groups right at their doorstep. For example, Samsung has already created BLACKPINK-themed Galaxy smartphones last year.

Recently, Samsung recruited BTS for this year’s Galaxy S20 series. At the time, the partnership was just for brand ambassadorship, creating promos with the “Captured #withGalaxy S20 Series.” Now, Samsung and BTS are taking it a step further.

In the last few days, Samsung’s Twitter account teased BTS-themed promos with a single date: July 9. The promos are very likely hinting at a BTS-themed device coming next month.

Thanks to Max Weinbach, we finally have a clearer idea of what the upcoming device is. Sent by one of his sources, the upcoming device is a Galaxy S20 variant in vibrant Mirror Purple, marking the BTS theme. Additionally, Samsung is also launching BTS-themed Galaxy Buds+ in the same Mirror Purple color. Both devices will come in custom BTS packaging.

At least for the phone, there isn’t any change internally. It’s still the same Galaxy S20 series. At the very least, the custom variant will arrive in the base Galaxy S20 model.

As the leak confirms, the upcoming device will launch on July 9 in South Korea. Pre-orders will start soon. However, there is no word yet whether the device will come to other countries.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 might now be in mass production

So far, CES 2020 is the only massive tech trade show to escape the ongoing coronavirus pandemic unscathed. Soon after the first show of the year, other similar events — like MWC 2020 — started dropping out for fear of spreading the virus further. Some migrated to online avenues. Some are still pushing through but with severely limited attendance.

With more than half a year to go before the next event, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has announced that CES 2021 will continue its years-long tradition of holding an in-person event for the trade showcase. Besides the in-person event, CES 2021 will also branch out into more digital spaces, allowing more livestreaming to broadcast the latest technologies for a wider reach. Though the announcement is only making the rounds now (via The Verge), the CTA has already made and publicized the decision on May 7 through the convention’s website.

This is, of course, a huge deal for the public events industry all over the world. All eyes are on CES 2021 as a safety barometer for the future of public spaces. Though some events are still continuing as normal this year, CES 2021 will likely usher in a new era with new health tools, the “new normal,” and, hopefully, a cure. Who knows what will happen at that point in time?

CES 2021 will still implement public health measure to limit the spread of disease during the show. The CTA is already pondering on various methods like social distancing, temperature scans, mask wearing, contactless payments, and sanitization stations.

Amidst all the potential safety measures in place, we’re seeing the “new normal” in action. For sure, CES 2021 will showcase huge breakthroughs in the tech industry, as it did this year. The annual event will take place from January 6 to 9 next year.

SEE ALSO: IFA 2020 to adopt an ‘innovative’ form of conferencing